Method and apparatus for protection of network device during increase in environmental contamination

ABSTRACT

In one embodiment, a method includes initiating a protection mode at a network device having a protective cover installed to filter airflow entering a network device, reducing one or more of a fan speed, processing functions, or power at the network device, exiting the protection mode upon removal of the protective cover from the network device, and increasing one or more of the fan speed, the processing functions, or the power to resume normal operation at the network device.

STATEMENT OF RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser.No. 16/885,120, filed May 27, 2020, the entire contents of which areincorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to electronic equipment such asnetwork devices, and more particularly, to protecting the electronicequipment from contamination.

BACKGROUND

Network communication systems utilize network devices that includecomplex and sensitive electronic components. The network devices aretypically designed to operate in a controlled environment such as datacenters and central offices with controlled temperature, humidity, andair quality. However, during construction or other environmentaldisruptions, the network devices may be exposed to a higher risk ofcontamination.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates protective covers positioned for placement on anetwork device, in accordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 2 illustrates the protective covers installed on the networkdevice.

FIG. 3A illustrates a drawstring cinch for sealing the protective cover,in accordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 3B illustrates a cinch dust barrier for use in providing additionalprotection, in accordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 3C illustrates a portion of an elastic band with silicone grips foruse in mating the protective cover with the network device, inaccordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 3D illustrates a Velcro strip that may be used in closing andopening the protective cover for installation and removal of theprotective cover, in accordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 4 illustrates another example of a protective cover, in accordancewith one embodiment.

FIG. 5 illustrates yet another example of a protective cover, inaccordance with another embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a process for preventingcontamination of electronic equipment during environmental disruptions,in accordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 7 depicts an example of a network device that may be used toimplement embodiments described herein.

Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding partsthroughout the several views of the drawings.

DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS Overview

In one embodiment, a method generally comprises initiating a protectionmode at a network device having a protective cover installed to filterairflow entering the network device, reducing one or more of a fanspeed, processing functions, or power at the network device, exiting theprotection mode upon removal of the protective cover from the networkdevice, and increasing one or more of the fan speed, the processingfunctions, or the power to resume normal operation at the networkdevice.

In another embodiment, an apparatus generally comprises a removableprotective cover for installation on a face of a network devicecomprising a plurality of ports coupled to a plurality of cables, thecover comprising a filter material defining a first opening at a firstend for engagement with the cables coupled to the network device and asecond opening for positioning adjacent to the face of the networkdevice. The protective cover filters airflow entering the face of thenetwork device during a period of increased environmental contaminationwith the network device operating in a protection mode with reducedairflow.

In yet another embodiment, an apparatus generally comprises a networkdevice having a face comprising a plurality of ports coupled to cablesfor transmitting power, a protective cover installed adjacent to theface of the network device with the cables passing through the cover,and a controller for reducing one or more of a fan speed, processingfunctions, or power at the network device with the protective coverinstalled. The protective cover filters airflow entering the face of thenetwork device during a period of increased environmental contamination.

Further understanding of the features and advantages of the embodimentsdescribed herein may be realized by reference to the remaining portionsof the specification and the attached drawings.

EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

The following description is presented to enable one of ordinary skillin the art to make and use the embodiments. Descriptions of specificembodiments and applications are provided only as examples, and variousmodifications will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art. Thegeneral principles described herein may be applied to other applicationswithout departing from the scope of the embodiments. Thus, theembodiments are not to be limited to those shown, but are to be accordedthe widest scope consistent with the principles and features describedherein. For purpose of clarity, details relating to technical materialthat is known in the technical fields related to the embodiments havenot been described in detail.

Electronic equipment such as network communication devices may be usedin environments that may temporarily have different conditions than atypical environment in which contaminants present in the air may beeasily filtered. In most installations, a rack or cabinet used tocontain the network device has no environmental protection and thenetwork device is directly exposed to ambient air. In one example, thenetwork device (e.g., switch or router) may provide power (e.g., PoE(Power over Ethernet), FMP (Fault Managed Power) (higher power operationwith fault detection), or ESP (Extended Safe Power) (higher poweroperation with pulsed DC (Direct Current) power or multi-phase pulsepower)) that is used during construction to power systems such asstandard lighting, emergency lighting, control systems, HVAC (Heating,Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) systems, or any other system.

During construction or events such as storms or other temporaryenvironmental disruptions, the equipment may be exposed to severe dustor other contamination (e.g., particulate, moisture, abrasive chemicals)for a period of time (e.g., days, weeks, months, or in some caseslonger). Electronic equipment is typically not designed for this type ofharsh environment and exposure to increased contaminants may harm theequipment and impact reliability. For example, deployment of networkdevices in the presence of uncontrolled contamination in cooling air maylead to damage to electronic components, cooling fans, and mechanicalenclosures. Failure of the network device or components may occur veryquickly in an uncontrolled environment. Although all types of electronicequipment face these issues, the severity of the failure may be higherfor air cooled equipment due to the flow of contaminated air withinproduct enclosures. Since these failures are often not recoverable, thedowntime associated with these failures may be significant.

The above described failures may occur even if an internal dust filteris used in the network device, since the internal filter would notfilter out moisture or a large amount of dust particles. The limitedspace available in network devices typically does not allow for a largerfilter, which would consume significant space needed for electronics.The space limitations within the network device thus prevent the use ofan internal filtration system that would filter out contaminants presentin an uncontrolled environment.

The embodiments described herein provide methods and apparatus toprevent contamination of electronic equipment during temporaryenvironmental disruptions. As described in detail below, one or moreprotective covers (filters) may be temporarily attached to the equipmentto filter air entering the equipment. The embodiments provide improvedreliability by avoiding failure of electronic components (e.g.,electronic circuits, circuit boards, chips, wiring, memory, processors),mechanical components (e.g., fans, power units, interfaces, connectors),or any other internal component.

In one or more embodiments, a protective cover may be attached to a face(e.g., front face) of a network device comprising a plurality of portscoupled to cables for transmitting power and seal around the cablesconnected to the network device to filter air or limit the amount of airentering the face of the network device. The protective cover may beused to filter airflow entering the network device during a period ofincreased environmental contamination. In one or more embodiments, acover may also be attached to an air inlet side of the network device.As described in detail below, the network device may be placed in aprotection mode in which one or more functions of the network device(e.g., fan speed, processing functions, switching functions, poweroutput) may be minimized. The protection mode may be initiated by asoftware command (e.g., CLI (Command Line Interface)) or automaticallyinitiated upon attachment of the protective cover to the network device.

A contaminant prevention system described herein may be used with anytype of electronic system or device to protect it from failure due todust, moisture, chemical particles, or any other airborne particles orharmful contamination. Thus, it is to be understood that the term“network device” as used herein may refer to any electronic device orcomponent in which the protective cover and protection mode describedherein may be used to at least temporarily filter air entering thedevice and prevent damage from contaminants present in the air. Forexample, the term “network device” may refer to a switch, router, or anyother electronic device, component or equipment operable to providepower to systems (e.g., lighting, HVAC, or other systems) that may beneeded during environmental disruptions in which the possibility ofdamage to the equipment due to contamination is increased, and thenetwork device may or may not provide data communications. The networkdevice may comprise one or more fans for providing airflow within thenetwork device, or the network device may comprise air vents for coolingwithout the use of fans or may use liquid cooling.

Referring now to the drawings, and first to FIG. 1 , a network device 10is shown with a removable protective cover (boot) 12 aligned forplacement on the network device. In the example shown in FIG. 1 , thenetwork device comprises a chassis 13 having a face place 14 comprisinga plurality of openings (ports) 11 for receiving components (e.g.,connectors (plugs, jacks) 15 (coupled to cables 16)) for transmitting orreceiving power, data, or power and data. For example, the networkdevice 10 may comprise any number of PoE (Power over Ethernet), PoE+,UPOE (Universal Power over Ethernet), UPOE+, ESP, FMP, or USB (UniversalSerial Bus) ports, optical module ports for receiving pluggable opticalmodules (transceiver modules) (e.g., SFP (Small Form-Factor Pluggable),QSFP (Quad Small Form-Factor Pluggable), QSFP+, QSFPDD (QSFP DoubleDensity), OSFP (Octal Small Form-Factor Pluggable), and the like), portsfor receiving modular uplinks (comprising any number of ports (slots)),or any other port or combination of ports in any arrangement. The cables16 may be configured for transmitting power, data (electrical, optical),cooling, or any combination thereof and may be combined into a cablebundle 17 (e.g., cat 5/6 (category 5, category 6)) cabling bundle. Inone example, if there are open ports 11 on the face 14 of the networkdevice 10, caps may be inserted into the ports. For example, an opticalmodule plug may be installed in any open optical module port or an RJcap may be installed in any open RJ45 connector.

The protective cover 12 is installed adjacent to the face 14 of thenetwork device 10. In order to filter airflow entering the face 14 ofthe network device, the protective cover 12 is placed over the face (orat least a portion thereof comprising the ports 11 or other openings) toprevent contamination of the network device during construction or otherenvironmental disruption with an increased risk of contamination. Thecover 12 comprises a filter material (e.g., substantially inelastic orelastic fabric, flexible cloth) 19 arranged in a generally tubular shape(e.g., tube with varying diameter, tapered tube, conical shape withtruncated end) and defining openings 18 a, 18 b at each end to allow thecables 16 (cable bundle 17) to pass therethrough. The first opening 18 aengages with the cable bundle 17 when sealed (as shown in FIG. 2 ) andthe second opening 18 b is positioned adjacent to the face 14 of thenetwork device 10. The first opening 18 a has a smaller diameter thanthe second opening 18 b and can be reduced in diameter once installed toseal against the cable bundle 17 (FIGS. 1 and 2 ). The first opening 18a comprises a draw string and cinch 21 (FIGS. 1 and 3A) or othersuitable device (e.g., zip tie) for gathering the material 19 at theopening 18 a to seal against the cable bundle 17. In one or moreembodiments, a cinch dust barrier (described below with respect to FIG.3B) may be located at the first opening 18 a to create a dust barrierbetween the cover 12 and cable bundle 17. As described below withrespect to FIG. 3C, the second opening 18 b may comprise an elasticstrip with silicone grips for mating with the network device 10. Thecover 12 may also include a sealable opening extending between the firstand second openings 18 a, 18 b to allow for installation and removal ofthe cover without removing the cables from the network device 10, asdescribed below with respect to FIG. 4 . Cover 12 may also includeinternal or external features (not shown) such as straps (e.g., elasticor Velcro) or sewed conduits to help organize and segregate cables 16within cable bundle 17. Furthermore, these features may be used to helpfix cover 12 in place conveniently during sealing or unsealing openingoperations.

In one or more embodiments, the network device 10 may include a plasticstrip framing the front face for engagement with the cover, with theplastic strip being easily removed from the network device after thecover 12 is removed. In another example, the protective cover 12 maymagnetically attach to the chassis (e.g., chassis made of metal thatattracts magnets or magnetic strip attached to chassis). Clips, snaps,or Velcro may also be used to attach the cover 12 to the network device10.

The network device 10 may further include one or more fans and powersupply units (not shown). In one or more embodiments an air inlet cover22 (external filter) is positioned adjacent to an air inlet 20 on an airinlet side 26 of the network device 10 to filter air circulated throughthe device by the fan and protect internal components of the device fromchemical corrosion or damage from moisture, dust, or any othercontaminants. The air inlet cover 22 is positioned over the air inlet 20(as shown in FIG. 2 ) and removably attached to the network device 10 toprovide additional filtration. The air inlet cover 22 shown in FIG. 1comprises a frame 25 a and a filter 25 b comprising a high performancefiltration media, which may be much thicker than a conventional internalair filter included in a fan tray, due to special coatings needed totrap and filter the contaminants. The air inlet cover frame 25 a maycomprise, for example, a magnetic material for attaching to a chassisformed of a material that attracts magnets. The magnets may also serveto attract and hold ferritic debris, such as discarded fasteners (e.g.screws and nails), and fabrication debris (e.g. metallic chips or dust),further preventing their entry into network device 10. Other types ofattachment means may be used (e.g., Velcro, low-tack (e.g. “fugitive”)and pressure-sensitive adhesive, semi-adhesive material). It is to beunderstood that the air inlet cover 22 is optional and the protectivecover 12 may be used on its own without the air inlet cover if theinternal fan filter is sufficient to filter out contaminants.

The filtration media of the protective cover 12 or air inlet cover 22may be operable to filter dust, moisture, chemical particles, or anycombination of these or other contaminants present in the air, and maycomprise different types, shapes, or widths of material depending on thefiltration needed for a particular environment and the space availablewith the network device installed in a rack or cabinet or otherenclosure with any number of other network devices. Furthermore, thefilter may be treated with chemical compounds to react with and reducethe effects of adverse or corrosive air components (e.g. sulfur oxides).The filtration media may comprise, for example, a particulate filter tofilter out dust or a hydrophobic filter to address moisture. The levelof filtration provided by the cover may be selected based on anenvironment in which the cover is to be used. In some cases, the cover12 may comprise a material providing high filtration (e.g., minimal orno airflow). The cover 12 may include, for example, instructions forinitiating protection mode at the network device or another image (e.g.,branding, logo) positioned in a viewable location. As shown in FIGS. 1and 2 and described herein, the cover 12 is positioned adjacent to theface 14 of the network device 10 comprising ports 11 for coupling to thecables 15. Therefore, the cover 12 can easily be installed on one ormore network devices stacked in a rack, even with minimal spacingbetween network devices. In one or more embodiments, the protectivecover may be configured to protect multiple network devices. Forexample, the protective cover may be sufficiently large to extend overmultiple faces of adjacent network devices and allow multiple cablebundles to pass therethrough. Different sized covers may be used tocover various size network devices. For example, the protective covermay be configured to cover 1 RU (rack unit) to 22 RU devices for use on19 inch, 23 inch, or any other width racks. If there is access to anupper surface of the chassis, the cover may be configured to attach tothe upper surface along an edge margin adjacent to the front face 14 andthen extend out away from the front face to create a sealed enclosuresurrounding the ports 11 on the front face.

Once the cover (protective cover 12, air inlet cover 22, or both) isinstalled on the network device 10, as shown in FIG. 2 , a protectioncontroller (software, logic) may minimize heat generating operations(e.g., processing functions, switching functions, power output) andminimize (or stop) fans to limit airflow within the device (describedbelow with respect to FIGS. 6 and 7 ). For example, the controller mayreduce one or more of fan speed, processing functions, or power at thenetwork device 10 with the protective cover 12 installed. In one or moreembodiments, the network device 10 may include a sensor or button 23(e.g., located on front face 14 as shown in FIG. 1 or any suitablelocation) that provides an indication that the cover is installed (orbeing installed) to the controller so that it may initiate protectionmode. The sensor 23 may comprise, for example, a magnetic switch,mechanical switch (micro switch, electromechanical switch), RFID(Radio-Frequency Identification) device, NFC (Near Field Communication)device, optical sensor, airflow sensor, or any other suitable deviceoperable to detect installation or removal of the protective cover 12and send a signal to the controller. The cover 12 may comprise a sensorinterface 24 (e.g., magnet, RFID tag, mechanical element) operable toindicate to the sensor 23 located on the network device installation orremoval of the protective cover 12. For example, an RFID tag may beattached to the cover 12 and the sensor 23 may comprise an RFID reader.In another example, the sensor interface may comprise a plug (e.g., RJ45plug) that is inserted into an open port to indicate installation of theprotective cover 12. The sensor or switch 23 provides electrical inputto the protection module (controller), which may use this information tobegin the process of reducing operating functions and fan speed, asdescribed below. It is to be understood that the type or location of thesensor 23 and sensor interface 24 shown in FIG. 1 and described hereinis only an example and that other types of sensors, switches, or sensorinterfaces or mounting locations may be used without departing from thescope of the embodiments.

It is to be understood that the network device 10 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2and described above is only an example, and the arrangement or type ofcomponents, connectors, and cables may be different than shown. Forexample, the cables may exit from the network device in any directionand may form any number of cable bundles. In addition to the cablebundle 17 shown in FIG. 1 , cables may also exit to the right, to theleft, or all three directions.

Also, it is to be understood that the protective cover 12 shown in FIGS.1 and 2 and described above is only an example and the cover maycomprise different materials, shapes, or sealing components, withoutdeparting from the scope of the embodiments. For example, as describedbelow with respect to FIGS. 4 and 5 , the protective cover may include asealable opening extending between the first and second openings forinstallation and removal of the cover with the cables coupled to thenetwork device. As described below, the protective cover may includeadditional openings for cables exiting in different directions. Also,while the protective cover shown and described herein is configured forremoval once the risk of contamination is no longer present, in one ormore embodiments, the cover may be attached to the chassis in a positionremoved from the front face (e.g., rolled up or folded out of the way)and pulled out for positioning over the cables and openings as needed.

It is to be understood that the terms front, rear, downward, upward,lower, upper, right, or left as may be used herein are only relativeterms and that the network device may have ports or an air inlet locatedon any face. For example, the term “front face” as used herein refers toan exposed or accessible side of the chassis in which ports are located.

FIGS. 3A-3D illustrate examples of accessories that may be included withthe protective cover for sealing the cover, closing the cover, or matingthe cover with the network device. Referring first to FIG. 3A, anexample of the draw string and cinch 21 of FIGS. 1 and 2 is shown, inaccordance with one embodiment. The draw string may comprise an elasticcord 30 sewn into one end of the cover 12 (at to opening 18 a as shownin FIG. 1 ) and a clip (cinch) 31 for tightening the cord to create aseal between the cover and cable bundle 17.

FIG. 3B illustrates an example of an optional cinch dust barrier 33 thatmay be used to provide additional protection at the cover to cableinterface at the opening 18 a when the cover is closed (FIGS. 1 and 2 ).The dust barrier 33 may comprise a flexible strip 35 a attached to aninner edge of the cover with thin flexible fingers 35 b extending inwardtherefrom to filter out contaminants.

FIG. 3C illustrates an example of an elastic strip 34 with siliconebumps (grips) 35 that may be attached to the cover for engagement withthe network device. As previously described with respect to FIG. 1 , theelastic strip 34 (or a magnetic strip) positioned at the second opening18 b of the cover may seal against the face 14 of the network device oran edge margin of one of the other surfaces of the chassis (e.g., top,bottom, side).

FIG. 3D illustrates an example of Velcro strips 36 a, 36 b that may beeasily engaged and disengaged for opening and closing the cover forremoval or installation, as described below with respect to FIG. 4 . TheVelcro strips 36 a, 36 b may also be used at a side opening for cablesexiting towards a side of the network device to allow the cables to passtherethrough (rather than through the central opening 18 a). It is to beunderstood that Velcro is only one example and other closure means maybe used, including for example Ziploc type closures.

FIG. 4 illustrates a protective cover 42 attached to the network device10, in accordance with one embodiment. In this example, the cover 42includes a resealable opening 44 comprising the Velcro strips 36 a, 36 bshown in FIG. 3D. In this example, the cover 42 may be positioned belowthe cables in an open position and then wrapped around the cables tobring the two pieces of fabric together at the Velcro strips 36 a, 36 b.While the sealable opening 44 is shown positioned on a top of theprotective cover 42, it is to be understood that the opening may extendalong a side or bottom of the cover. In the example shown in FIG. 4 , azip tie (cable tie) closure 45 is used to cinch the opening around thecable bundle 17. The zip tie 45 is wrapped around the cover 42 and cablebundle 17 after the cover has been positioned on the network device 10.As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3A, a draw string and cinch type closure 21 mayalso be used. As described above, an elastic strip 34 (FIG. 3C),magnetic strip, or clips (e.g., snap fasteners) may be used to engagethe protective cover with the network device

As previously noted, one or more cables or cable bundles may exittowards a side of the cover 42. As shown in FIG. 4 , the cover 42 mayinclude another cable opening 46 on one or both sides of the cover. Theopening may comprise, for example, a slot (split in fabric) with matingVelcro pieces 36 a, 36 b on overlapping material on edge margins of theslot. Once the cables pass through the opening 46, the sides are sealedaround the cables using the Velcro fastener.

FIG. 5 illustrates another example of a protective cover 52 forattachment to the network device 10, in accordance with anotherembodiment. The cover 52 comprises a lower portion 53 and an upperhinged portion 54. The cover 52 is formed from a flexible material(e.g., nylon, vinyl) so that the upper portion 54 can be closed over thecable bundles 17 without damaging the cables. An internal surface of theupper portion 54 and an external surface of the lower portion 53 maycomprise Velcro strips 36 a, 36 b along mating edge margins. Theprotective cover 52 may also include a sealable (e.g., Velcro opening)56 on one side so that the cover 54 may be installed over existingcables and removed without removing cables. As shown in FIG. 5 , one ofthe cable bundles 57 a may exit outward from the front face 14 of thenetwork device and another cable bundle 57 b may exit towards a side ofthe network device.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an overview of a process foroperating the network device 10 in protection mode with the protectivecover 12 installed (FIG. 2 ), in accordance with one embodiment. At step60, protection mode is initiated with the protective cover 12 installedto filter airflow entering the face 14 of the network device 10comprising a plurality of ports 11 coupled to cables 16 with the cablespassing through the protective cover (FIGS. 2 and 6 ). As previouslydescribed, the protection mode may be initiated upon detection at thesensor 23 of installation of the protective cover 12 at the networkdevice 10, activation of a switch at the network device, or a first(initiate) command received at the network device (FIGS. 1 and 6 ).Also, as previously noted, the air inlet cover 22 may also be installed.The protection controller may then reduce one or more of fan speed (step61), processing functions (step 62), or power (step 63) at the networkdevice 10. These steps may be performed simultaneously or in any order.Also, any combination of these or other operating functions may bemodified. The processing functions (e.g., CPU (Central Processing Unit)functions, switching functions, enterprise functions, data processing)may be reduced to a minimum needed for basic commands and operation.Power (e.g., PoE, FMP, ESP) may be minimized per port (e.g., powerswitched from ESP or FMP to PoE, PoE power level lowered) to reduce heatcreated from power circuits within the network device. One or more ofthe cables may continue to transmit power (e.g., PoE) for use incritical functions. In one example, the power level per port may belimited (e.g., 45 watt PoE). Power output may be maintained at a levelto support auxiliary functions such as PoE lighting, emergency power,control systems, or HVAC. In one example, all functions are minimizedand resources are diverted to managed power.

In one or more embodiments, the speed of one or more fans may beminimized or one or more fans may be stopped to limit airflow whilemonitoring temperature (step 64) to enable small amounts of fan airflowfor short periods of time to maintain a low overall system temperature.The fans may operate to allow minimal cooling without impacting MTBF(Mean Time Between Failure) of the equipment while minimizing exposureto particulates pulled through the filter. For example, the protectioncontroller may increase the fan speed of one or more fans when themonitored temperature reaches a specified limit (e.g., predefined oruser defined limit). The temperature may be monitored at any suitablelocation within the network device. The controller may be operable toincrease the fan speed if a monitored temperature at the network deviceexceeds a specified limit (i.e., one or more fans turned on or speedincreased) (step 65).

The network device exits the protection mode upon removal of theprotective cover from the network device (step 66). The network devicemay exit protection mode upon detecting removal of the protective coveror receiving a second (exit) command at the network device. The networkdevice increases one or more of the fan speed, the processing functions,or the power to resume normal operation at the network device (step 67).As previously described, the command to exit protection mode maycomprise detection of removal of the cover at a sensor or switch or acommand received at the controller.

It is to be understood that the process shown in FIG. 6 and describedabove is only an example and steps may be added, removed, or modified,or the order changed, without departing from the scope of theembodiments.

In one example, the embodiments described herein may operate in thecontext of a data communications network including multiple networkdevices. The network may include any number of network devices incommunication via any number of nodes (e.g., routers, switches,gateways, controllers, edge devices, access devices, aggregationdevices, core nodes, intermediate nodes, or other network devices),which facilitate passage of data over one or more networks. The networkdevices may communicate over or be in communication with one or morenetworks, which may include any number or arrangement of networkcommunications devices (e.g., switches, access points, routers, or otherdevices) operable to route (switch, forward) data communications. Thenetwork device may comprise, for example, a router, switch, or othernetwork device, which may communicate over one or more networks (e.g.,local area network (LAN), metropolitan area network (MAN), wide areanetwork (WAN), virtual private network (VPN) (e.g., Ethernet virtualprivate network (EVPN), layer 2 virtual private network (L2VPN)),virtual local area network (VLAN), wireless network, enterprise network,corporate network, data center, Internet, intranet, radio accessnetwork, public switched network, or any other network). As previouslynoted, the protection covers may also be used on other types ofelectronic equipment, which may not include data communications.

FIG. 7 illustrates an example of a network device 70 that may implementthe embodiments described herein. In one or more embodiments, thenetwork device 70 is a programmable machine that may be implemented inhardware, software, or any combination thereof. The network device 70includes one or more processor 72, memory 74, network interface (port)76, and protection module (controller) 78 (e.g., fan controller,temperature monitor, processor controller, power controller, coverdetector). The controller 78 may comprise, for example, software,firmware, logic, or other modules or components operable to control fanspeed, processing functions, and power output. As previously noted, thenetwork device 70 may include one or more fans 77 for providing flow ofcooling air through the network device and one or more power supplyunits (PSUs) 79. In one or more embodiments, the controller 78 may beconfigured to perform the process described above with respect to FIG. 6.

Memory 74 may be a volatile memory or non-volatile storage, which storesvarious applications, operating systems, modules, and data for executionand use by the processor 72. Memory 74 may include one or more of thecomponents (e.g., software, logic) of the controller 78. The networkdevice 70 may include any number of memory components.

Logic may be encoded in one or more tangible media for execution by theprocessor 72. For example, the processor 72 may execute codes stored ina computer-readable medium such as memory 74. The computer-readablemedium may be, for example, electronic (e.g., RAM (random accessmemory), ROM (read-only memory), EPROM (erasable programmable read-onlymemory)), magnetic, optical (e.g., CD, DVD), electromagnetic,semiconductor technology, or any other suitable medium. In one example,the computer-readable medium comprises a non-transitorycomputer-readable medium. The network device 70 may include any numberof processors 72.

The network interface 76 may comprise any number of interfaces (e.g.,ports) for receiving or transmitting data or power.

It is to be understood that the network device 70 shown in FIG. 7 anddescribed above is only an example and that different configurations ofnetwork devices may be used. For example, the network device 70 mayfurther include any suitable combination of hardware, software,algorithms, processors, devices, components, or elements operable tofacilitate the capabilities described herein. Also, as previously noted,it is to be understood that the embodiments described herein may be usedin any type of electronic equipment with components that are susceptibleto contamination.

Although the method and apparatus have been described in accordance withthe embodiments shown, one of ordinary skill in the art will readilyrecognize that there could be variations made to the embodiments withoutdeparting from the scope of the embodiments. Accordingly, it is intendedthat all matter contained in the above description and shown in theaccompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in alimiting sense.

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus comprising: a removable protectivecover for installation on a face of a network device comprising aplurality of ports coupled to a plurality of cables, the protectivecover comprising: a filter material defining a first opening at a firstend for engagement with the cables coupled to the network device and asecond opening for positioning adjacent to the face of the networkdevice; wherein the protective cover filters airflow entering the faceof the network device during a period of increased environmentalcontamination with the network device operating in a protection modewith reduced airflow.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein theprotective cover comprises a sealable opening extending between saidfirst and second openings for installation and removal of the cover withthe cables coupled to the network device.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1,wherein the protective cover comprises a side opening for cables exitingtowards a side of the network device.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1,wherein said first opening comprises a drawstring for tightening thefirst opening for engagement with the cables.
 5. The apparatus of claim1, wherein said first opening is defined by a rotatable portion of theprotective cover.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the covercomprises a sensor interface operable to indicate to a sensor located onthe network device installation or removal of the protective cover. 7.The apparatus of claim 1, wherein a fan speed, processing functions, andpower are reduced at the network device while operating in saidprotection mode.
 8. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising an airinlet cover for mounting on an air inlet side of the network device. 9.A protective cover comprising: a filter material with a first openingfor sealing against one or more cables coupled to a network device and asecond opening for positioning adjacent to a face of the network device;and a device for sealing the first opening against the one or morecables.
 10. The protective cover of claim 9, further comprising: asealable opening extending between the first opening and the secondopening for installation and removal of the protective cover when thecables are coupled to the network device.
 11. The protective cover ofclaim 9, further comprising: a side opening to allow the one or morecables to exit a side of the network device.
 12. The protective cover ofclaim 9, wherein the device includes a drawstring for tightening thefirst opening against the one or more cables.
 13. The protective coverof claim 9, further comprising: a sensor interface operable to indicateto a sensor located on the network device installation or removal of theprotective cover.
 14. The protective cover of claim 9, whereininstallation of the protective cover causes the network device tooperate in a protection mode with reduced airflow.
 15. The protectivecover of claim 9, further comprising: a dust barrier adjacent the firstopening, the dust barrier including a flexible strip attached to aninner edge of the protective cover with thin flexible fingers to filterout contaminants.
 16. An apparatus comprising: a protective cover fortemporarily filtering airflow entering a network device during a periodof increased contamination, the protective cover including: a filtermaterial with a first opening and a second opening, a size of the firstopening being adjustable to engage with one or more cables passingthrough the protective cover, and the second opening being positionedadjacent a face of the network device comprising a plurality of portscoupled to the one or more cables.
 17. The apparatus of claim 16,wherein the protective cover further comprises a device to seal thefirst opening against the one or more cables.
 18. The apparatus of claim17, wherein the device includes a drawstring for tightening the firstopening against the one or more cables.
 19. The apparatus of claim 16,wherein installation of the protective cover on the network devicecauses the network device to operate in a protection mode with reducedairflow.
 20. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the protective coverfurther comprises: a sensor interface operable to indicate to a sensorlocated on the network device installation or removal of the protectivecover.